What is it about Japan....

I've noticed a lot of people on this board as well as in the world at large, who have social problems tend to gravitate toward anime or Japanese culture in general. Any ideas why?

Because it requires no social interaction in itself, yet comes with a massive online community. As a result, an avoidant is given complete control over his own social situation.

And escapism. I've also noticed that socially-outcast groups tend to be less judgmental towards their own members, so it might be that the social climate as a whole is more "safe."

Avoidant characters in anime really aren't all that rare. Hikikomori is closely tied to AvPD and SAD, and there are a number of series focusing on just that. Welcome to the NHK and Rozen Maiden come to mind.

Uberfrau wrote:I think someone mentioned the protagonist of NHK is schizotypal.

He is. He also stops meeting Misaki after falling in love with her for fear of being betrayed, and if memory serves panics when he thinks the the other students are judging him. I'd say it's comorbid.